If you have more than 3 priorities, you have no priorities.

For some time now, I’ve been wanting to start a blog series called Motivation Monday.

In my office, I have a cork board covered in quotes or clips that I’ve come across and have resonated with me. This series is a digital version of that.

I recently celebrated another lap around the sun and in doing so, am ‘motivated’ to get this started.

“If you have more than 3 priorities, you have no priorities” – Maggie Fox CEO Social Media Group

Definition of “priority”:

Something that is more important than other things and that needs to be done or dealt with first.

My ‘list’ of things to do is enormous, so much that I force myself to make lists, and lists of lists in order to keep track of everything.

Between running a web development company, being a working musician, recording artists in my studio, exercise, meals, shows, hangouts, and even resting, it can become overwhelming.

Sometimes I’ll find myself staring at my computer and not knowing what I should be doing(ever done that? even though you have a million things to do?).

Since I run my own business, no one is telling me what to do and when to do it so I have to figure that out for myself. I must prioritize and take care of the most important things that need to be done.

How do I do that?

Make a list! My Top 3

As I mentioned above, I have lists on lists of lists.

In order to prioritize my day to day, I have a single pad of paper that I use to write down my top 3 things for the day.

Typically, I make this list before closing up shop the day before so when I get started in the morning, I can jump right in.

I’ve tried everything from white boards, Windows Notes, Evernote, etc. While these are all helpful in maintaining my overall lists of things to do, what works best for my priorities TODAY is the small note pad in front of my computer.

Can I do more than 3 things in a day?

Absolutely!

Just because something is the highest priority of my day, doesn’t necessarily mean it has to take a long time, it just needs to get done first.

Having my top 3 written down allows me to make sure the more important stuff gets done. Afterward, not only do I feel accomplished, but I’ve made room to take care of whatever is next.

Your top 3 isn’t the be all end all of what you should get done in a day, it’s just a starting point to keep you focused.

Homework

Your homework for this week is to try this every day for 1 week.

Feel free to use paper, your cell phone, and email to yourself, or whatever you will see in the morning.

Either first thing in the morning, or at the end of your day, write down the 3 most important things you need to take care of.

Thanks for reading!

As always, if you have any questions or comments, contact me.